Research

The 1890 Research Program is the catalyst that has kept SC State University at the forefront of agriculture and rural research problems and issues confronting South Carolina.

The Research Program offers opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in organized research projects that are designed to upgrade the quality of life for limited-resource clients. The focus of the studies are based on one of the following key areas:

• Agriculture and production systems;
• Youth and family development;
• Rural life and rural opportunities; and
• Environment, health and human nutrition.

Research projects funded through the 1890 Research Program enable the university to demonstrate its unique capability for understanding and addressing problems, concerns and issues affecting the quality of life of disadvantaged clientele.

To find out about current 1890 research projects, see the list below. [Please note: Not all research projects are listed.] For more information on a specific study, you may contact the researcher(s). Or, for details on 1890 Research, contact Dr. Louis D. Whitesides, 1890 Research Administrator at (803) 516-4990 or Lwhitesides@scsu.edu.

“Investigations on DNA Damage in Diabetes Involving Glycoxidation Reactions”
This research will help develop a better understanding of the implications of the modifications of DNA in relation to diabetes. As investigations progress in this project, the researcher will involve the schools in the Orangeburg and Williamsburg 1890 Extension Clusters to educate students in these communities about the disease. The educational initiatives will develop awareness in the younger generations and help them to pursue a healthy life style, which will lead to healthier communities.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Mahtabbuddin Ahmed
Office: (803) 536-8979mahmed@scsu.edu
“A Study of Chapter 13 and its Chapter 7 Derivative Bankruptcy Filing in South Carolina, for the Period 1996-2003”
This study will reveal the trends in bankruptcy filings in South Carolina during the period, 1996-2003. The results of the study will help determine whether or not the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 validates its purpose.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Enoch Beraho
Office: (803) 536-7135eberaho@scsu.edu
“Effectiveness of Differentiated Action Research and Instructional Beliefs, Skills and Reflection by Pre-Service Teachers”
Participants (in-service and pre-service teachers) in this study examine their own educational practice systematically and carefully using the techniques of research to provide appropriate class activities for diverse students in rural areas. By using the research technique, Routines of Action Research and Reflection Model (RARRM), the teachers will reform the conditions that influence students’ achievement and provide them with strategies to enhance learning. In addition, in-service and pre-service teachers will refine and enhance their own skills.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen Brantley
Office: (803) 536-8796hbrantley@scsu.edu
“Augmentative Communication Technology for Service Providers and Consumers in Rural Settings”
The study investigates the augmentative communication needs of speech and language pathologists in public schools and healthcare settings in Orangeburg, Allendale, Bamberg and Calhoun counties. The findings will help determine the types of services and learning materials or devices that professionals can use when assisting those with complex communication needs.

“Syntheses in Solution and Supercritical CO2, Solution Properties and Thermal Characteristics of Poly (Dialkyphenyl Acrylates)”
Acrylic polymers respond to the highly in-demand commercially used pre-polymers and polymers that cover a wide range of applications including health, textile industry, building materials, and paints. Research on the synthesis of the acrylic monomers and polymers in a supercritical fluid, CO2, is an attractive science and innovative technology which this project covers. The research involves synthesizing a new family of acrylic polymers and studying their properties for possible industrial application.

“Preferred Learning Styles and Preferences in a Graduate Blended Learning Course: Enhancing Opportunities for Adult Learners in Orangeburg and Neighboring Counties”
The project’s focus is to explore the differences between adult non-traditional students using a blended learning course and students attending a traditional face-to-face course in a counseling theories and techniques class. Discovering the dynamics of these relationships would assist in identifying those online instructional features that are important for the creation of a successful educational program for meeting the diverse needs of adult learners.

“An Impact Study of the Relationship Between Healthy Eating/Healthy Lifestyles and Cognitive/Academic Development in Adolescence in Rural South Carolina”
African Americans are affected disproportionately by obesity and diabetes. Overall, 72.3 percent of African Americans in South Carolina are overweight or obese. The primary objective of the study is to implement and evaluate a pilot healthy eating program to combat obesity. The subsidiary objective is to determine the relationship between “Healthy Eating /Healthy Lifestyle” program and cognitive/academic development. This project is designed to empower participants to be responsible for their own health.

“An Integrated Approach to Prevent Obesity in High-Risk Families”
This multi-state research project investigates the causes for obesity in children that live in the states where the study is being conducted. (Idris’ research focuses on obesity among children in South Carolina.) Based on the results of the survey, researchers plan to offer preventive measures that may help reduce the number of children from becoming overweight and obese.

“Understanding the Effects of Citizen Participation and Community Development in Selected Rural and Urban Cities in South Carolina”
This study will help determine the extent to which low-and moderate-income individuals and communities benefit from community development in six South Carolina cities by examining each city’s policies regarding land use, economic development, public facilities, housing, public works and public services since 1970. The study will provide data, information and analysis to assist policy makers in formulating development policies that ensure low-and moderate-income neighborhoods benefit from community development.

“Assessing Existing Social and Education Programs of the Hispanic Population in Selected Counties in South Carolina”
The study examines how Hispanics, ages 12 to 65 in 23 selected counties in South Carolina, are using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), food stamps, Medicaid and Women-Infant- and Children (WIC) programs. The findings of the study will help state agencies develop and implement programs designed to alleviate the concerns of the state’s Hispanic population and provide a medium for state agencies to benchmark their progress in serving Hispanics. The results of the study will also assist in the production of regional maps using GIS graphs to show where Hispanic populations reside in the counties that are served by 1890 Research and Extension.

“The Potential of Educational Attainment and Investment on Economic Development in South Carolina”
This research project will analyze the factors that affect the educational attainment and capital investment in South Carolina and develop a strategic plan for the state to accentuate the role of education and investment as sources of economic development. The major components of the study include: (a) an in-depth analysis of the factors affecting educational attainment in South Carolina and (b) studying how the factors of capital investment affect economic development and employment in the state.

“Patterns in the Implementation of U.S. Nutrition Policies in South Carolina”
The study addresses the difficulties encountered in transmitting federal nutrition guidelines to South Carolinians since the 1890s. Important difficulties may stem from cultural conventions that influence(d) diet and exercise patterns in the state. These patterns can be assessed by analyzing diaries, commentaries, letters and cook books authored by or written for South Carolinians from the 19th century and on. The researcher’s analysis will help to establish an historical context for the current obesity debate and identify long-standing barriers to the implementation of federal nutrition guidelines in South Carolina.

“Mapping and Isolating Genes in Drosophila melanogaster that Regulate Cuticular Hydrocarbons”
The principal investigator is conducting a genetic analysis to identify the basis for production of and response to cuticular hydrocarbons that act as pheromones in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. This research is a form of educational assistance to farmers to aid them in evaluating and adopting integrated pest management techniques.

“Soybean Candles for Healthy Life and Well Being”
This research will help determine if vegetable oil-based candles are a safer and more economically and environmentally friendly alternative to (petroleum) paraffin-based candles. Results of the study are expected to provide candle companies with more accurate means of deciding on the possibly preferred medium in production of wax and/or the potential hazards/benefits of vegetable oil-and petroleum-based waxes.

“A Real-Time GIS/HydrologyFlood Warning System for First Responders in Rural Areas”
This project seeks to integrate readily available hydrology analysis systems with real-time remotely sensed precipitation data to predict the likelihood that roads, bridges, underpasses, etc. in rural areas are flooded during severe rain events. The project will use U.S. Weather Service NEXRad integrated precipitation products as input to a GIS-compatible hydrology model. Such a prediction system can serve as the basis for an internet server-client mapping system available to EMS and other public safety officials.